‘Town and Country’ spectacle comes to Ballynahinch

From Medieval jousting to fine food it will all be at the Town and Country Game Fair at Ballynahinch.

Published:14:44Monday 22 September 2014

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Country Lifestyle Exhibitions Ltd, organisers of the Great Game Fairs of Ireland at Shanes Castle and Birr Castle, are bringing one of their spectacularly successful events to Ballynahinch on September 27 and 28.

Director Albert Titterington says: “ Our fairs in Antrim and Birr not only provide a great weekend’s family entertainment but also real economic benefits to the host area.

“We predict around 15,000 to 20,000 people will attend the twin locus event at Montalto Estate – open to the public for the first time in decades - and in Ballynahinch town.

Exhibition stand space in the retail village has booked up well with many of the game fair exhibitors from all over the UK and Ireland but we also have a good number of quality local companies involved. For example JN Wine from Crossgar is sponsoring a hugely entertaining main arena programme and will also display their range of wines as the pole stand in the Fine Food Village based in the refurbished stable yard; while local fashion shops will join with top UK brands such as Barbour in putting on a fashion show in the walled gardens.

The JN Wine main arena features an action packed programme of events with real family appeal, including Medieval jousting and TV shepherdess Katy Cropper, as well as falconry, ferret racing & show; carriage driving; horse and hounds and a wide range of country sports as well as the Battle of Ballynahinch and other living history displays.”

The event at Montalto which runs from 10am-5pm each day has four main emphases: Country Sports and Game Fair competitions, displays and exhibits including international standard clay pigeon shooting with three guns to be won; top terrier, whippet & lurcher championships; all Ireland gundog challenges and angling displays and competitions – all with the top prize funds expected at Great Game Fairs of Ireland Events.

There will be a Fine Food Festival featuring artisan producers of fine food and drinks from all over the UK and cookery demonstrations by Emmett Mc Court, Peter mc Erlean and other top chefs.

A country lifestyle retail exhibition with everything from country vehicles, luxury house and garden products to country fashion.

A Living History village including Medieval Knights and their chargers; coin making by Gruna Moneta including the John de Courcy St Patricius coin and the Battle of Ballynahinch combatants.

In short, there will be something to interest the whole family and not only are children admitted FREE but they get a FREE RIDE on the Carousel and have lots of ‘have a go ‘opportunities including air rifle shooting and archery.

The Ballynahinch Town Event on Saturday, September 27, will also run from 10am-5pm.

The Town Festival based around the town square starts at 10am with a horse drawn vehicle cavalcade to Montalto, followed by a battle re-enactment and an eclectic mix of family entertainment including a U105 Roadshow, a country market, music, and family entertainment.

For further details of the events see www.ballynahinchharvestfestival.com or call 028 44839167/44615416. R: irishgamefair@btinternet.com